Baker Mayfield ‘rolling with the punches’ as the Panthers’ backup quarterback
Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo had a clear agenda for the Panthers’ Thursday practice.
“Today’s all about PJ (Walker). And then getting the other guys caught up to the plan without getting a ton of reps.” McAdoo said. “We’re going to get PJ ready to go. And then we’re going to get everybody else in the room ready to go if PJ cannot make it through the game or whatever the case may be as the backup.”
Speaking to the media for the first time since spraining his ankle three weeks ago against the San Francisco 49ers, Mayfield gave assurances there is no quarterback controversy in Carolina as Walker prepares to make his third consecutive start Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.
“I’m rolling with the punches and helping this team out in any way I can,” Mayfield said. “I came here to win. And if my role is to help PJ out from the sideline and help this defense out in scout team stuff then I’m gonna do it and I’m gonna do it with everything I can. That’s just who I am.”
For Mayfield, backing up an undrafted quarterback was not what he envisioned when he agreed to take a $3.5 million pay cut to join the Panthers via trade in July. But a lot has changed since the summer.
Neither coach Matt Rhule, running back Christian McCaffrey nor wide receiver Robbie Anderson — three key contributors to the offensive game plan the last time Mayfield played — are still in Carolina.
“This locker room has handled all the change and the adversity that’s been brought upon us very well. ... To bounce back and play like that on Sunday (against the Buccaneers), that’s pretty special,” Mayfield said.
Rhule was fired the day after Mayfield’s last start. McCaffrey was traded to the 49ers last Thursday, three days after the Panthers dealt Anderson to the Cardinals.
Mayfield was inactive during the past two weeks because of a high ankle sprain. He has not been on the injury report this week and said he is ready to play against Atlanta. On Monday, coach Steve Wilks said Mayfield will back up Walker.
Walker started the season as the team’s No. 4 quarterback behind Mayfield, Sam Darnold and rookie Matt Corral.
“I don’t think (Walker) ever had that mindset that he was fourth on the depth chart. PJ is a great leader. He’s a great quarterback. He’s a guy that’s continually stepped up,” Mayfield said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for PJ as a player, but more so just as a man.”
Walker is the man, for now. His 176 passing yards, two touchdowns and 126.5 passer rating bested Tom Brady in a shocking 21-3 win against Tampa Bay. Pro Football Focus rated Walker its highest quarterback of Week 7. His 94.9 grade was higher than the Bengals’ Joe Burrow and the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes.
Asked if he spoke to general manager Scott Fitterer about being traded, Mayfield said he wants to be in Carolina as long as the team prioritizes winning. Carolina will be first in the NFC South if it beats Atlanta on Sunday and the Buccaneers lose Thursday night.
Barring injury, Walker will remain the Panthers’ starting quarterback if the team keeps winning.
Mayfield’s quarterback rating and completion percentage are the worst among qualified NFL starters. The Panthers’ offense was not functional with Mayfield at quarterback.
But considering all the changes Carolina has endured, few would be surprised to see Mayfield under center again at some point this season.
On Wednesday, Wilks said he makes sure all the quarterbacks understand their respective roles each week.
“Every week, I meet with all three of those guys, as well as Ben (McAdoo) and then the quarterback coach, Sean (Ryan). We were all in the room together. I don’t try to talk to each other separately, because I want to make sure we have great communication and clarity,” Wilks said. “(Baker) understood exactly where we were going this week and knows his role. And he was fine with that.”
Mayfield seems OK with his role for now. But he is playing on an expiring contract, essentially auditioning for a role somewhere in the NFL next season. Without opportunity, teams will likely offer Mayfield a small contract next season.
“He’s a backup and will probably be offered a team-friendly contract this offseason,” one former league executive told The Charlotte Observer. “Unless he gets another chance in Carolina and does well.”
If the opportunity comes, Mayfield will be ready to go.
“I want to play. I’m a competitor. We all want to play. That’s the nature of this business,” Mayfield said. “But my role right now is to help us win in any way I can. And that’s helping out in the QB room and doing scout team stuff and just trying to get under their skin on defense. ... I’m enjoying what I’m doing right now and doing whatever I can to help this team win.”
This story was originally published October 27, 2022 at 5:32 PM.
